Overview
Richard M. Pollack (January 25, 1935 – September 18, 2018) was an American mathematician known for his work in discrete and computational geometry. He spent the bulk of his professional life at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, where he served as a faculty member and later as Professor Emeritus. Pollack's career combined research, teaching and editorial service; he was especially notable as a cofounder of the journal Discrete & Computational Geometry.
Career and editorial work
Pollack was associated for many years with the Courant Institute; his connection to that institution remained central to his professional identity. In 1986 he and Jacob E. Goodman established the journal Discrete & Computational Geometry, intended to provide a dedicated venue for rigorous work at the interface of combinatorial geometry and algorithms. He contributed to the growth of the field through mentoring students, participating in scholarly life, and shaping publication standards for geometric research. See the Courant Institute for institutional context: Courant Institute.
Research areas and contributions
Pollack worked broadly within the traditions of discrete and computational geometry. His interests lay in the combinatorial and algorithmic properties of geometric objects and configurations. While a specialist audience will know his detailed results, his general areas of contribution can be described as:
- Combinatorial geometry: study of finite configurations, incidences and structural properties of point sets and arrangements.
- Convexity and polytopes: investigation of convex sets, faces and related combinatorial invariants.
- Geometric algorithms: development and analysis of procedures for fundamental geometric problems.
- Editorial and community leadership: shaping the literature and forums for emerging research in computational geometry.
Historical context and significance
Pollack's career coincided with the rise of computational geometry as a distinct research area in the latter half of the 20th century. By helping to establish a dedicated journal and by sustaining an active research program, he played a role in professionalizing and consolidating the field. His editorial work with Discrete & Computational Geometry gave researchers an authoritative outlet for rigorous combinatorial and algorithmic results.
Personal notes and legacy
Born in New York City, Pollack remained closely tied to the academic community there throughout his life. He died on September 18, 2018 in New York City at the age of 83. His influence is remembered through the students he taught, the papers and edits he supervised, and the journal he helped found. For brief biographical context about his birthplace and activities there, see New York City.
Notable facts
- Cofounder and co-editor-in-chief (with Jacob E. Goodman) of Discrete & Computational Geometry in 1986.
- Long-term faculty member at the Courant Institute, later Professor Emeritus.
- Contributed to the development and dissemination of discrete and computational geometry as research areas.